Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs

The Position

The Director of Community Development works under the general supervision of the Town Manager and manages the functional areas of

Planning & Zoning, Survey, Building Inspections, GIS, Farmville Area Bus and Farmville Regional Airport as well as supporting the Planning Commission. The Director provides oversight of the Town’s Long-Range Planning and Current Planning processes. The Director supervises a

variety of staff including the Building Official, Surveyor, GIS Analyst, Transit Manager, and others.

Challenges, Issues & Opportunities

An immediate challenge and opportunity for the successful candidate will be filling a newly funded position. There is a need for strong leadership

and guidance of employees in the community development department.

• There is the opportunity to work with the Town Manager on reviewing current processes and plans.

• Implementing a new comprehensive plan

• Developing a database of existing short-term rentals

• Coming up with new application forms for short-term rentals, subdivisions, rezonings, conditional use permits, and BZA cases

• Working with developers

• Working with existing businesses

• Working with a local housing coalition

• Evaluate the use of planned unit developments as a zoning opportunity

• Evaluate the zoning and subdivision ordinance for needed and periodic amendment

• Continuing the public information and listening sessions on a variety of planning and community development topics

Qualifications, Education & Experience

The following education and experience factors are the expected qualifications for successful performance:

•Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university with a major in public administration, planning, architecture, urban design, geography, business administration, or a related field; Master’s degree is preferred.

•Five years of increasingly responsible technical and managerial experience in community development, planning, or closely related field and some experience in economic development.

•AICP certification and Certified Zoning Administrator (CZA) designation are preferred.

•Demonstrated ability to interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes, regulations, and design standards.

•Ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple projects.

•Demonstrated ability to work successfully in a team environment, functioning for the good of the organization over the individual.

•Customer-focused while understanding the impact of decisions on other departments' work.

•Ability to assess environmental cues and maintain situational awareness.

•Demonstrated ability to effectively manage people and programs, providing clear direction and establishing accountability.

•Model a strong work ethic and commitment to the community.

Personal Traits and Desired Characteristics

• Absolute integrity, ensuring ethical, equitable, honest, fair, open, and personable interactions with the Town Council, Town Manager, Town employees, and the community.

• Professionally competent, with confidence tempered by humility.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen and understand differing views.

Performance Expectations

• A commitment to open and transparent government; promoting a positive and interactive relationship with Town officials, employees, and stakeholders.

• Effective verbal and written communications with all stakeholders; presenting information in a form understandable to various audiences.

• A focus on promoting intra and interdepartmental communication, cooperation, and collaboration.

• Fair and equitable treatment of department employees and a demonstrated commitment to staff development, support, and accountability.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation for the Director of Community Development will be competitive, depending on qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will be provided the Town’s benefits package including the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), health/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, professional development support, and other benefits provided to Town employees.

Application Process

The initial review of candidates will begin on March 1st, 2023, with an anticipated hire date of May 1, 2023. It is anticipated that preliminary interviews with select candidates will be conducted in early April. Timely submittal will ensure the most advantageous review. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and resume, with salary expectations and professional references, to Chris McAllister via email at cmcallister@farmvilleva.com.

Questions may be directed to:

Chris McAllister

HR Manager

Town of Farmville

Email: cmcallister@farmvilleva.com

Office: (434) 392-2111